2016 may be the year of Peak Sequel, and Jack Reacher: Never Go Back could still disappoint (McQuarrie’s absence is definitely a little disheartening), but for now let’s get pumped for Cruise’s return as the eponymous badass with these new photos courtesy of People:

People / Paramount

People / Paramount

Based on the Lee Child novel, the sequel follows Reacher as he returns to his former unit and stands accused of a 16-year-old murder. That’s a 16-year-old murder and not the murder of a 16-year old; there is a difference. Anyhow, he’ll be joined this time out by Cobie Smulders, Robert Knepper, Holt McCallany and Aldis Hodge. Danika Yarosh will complicate matters more in her role as Reacher’s (alleged) daughter.

Replacing McQuarrie for Never Go Back is Edward Zwick, who previously worked with Cruise on The Last Samurai. While speaking with People about the sequel, Zwick praised his “tireless” and “unbelievably focused” star, who — unsurprisingly — also did most of his own stunts:

It’s a pretty boring job to be Tom’s stunt double, He did all of his own stunts. It’s almost a hallmark of what he does. He does every bit of it himself.

Jack Reacher: Never Go Back hits theaters on October 21, and with the arrival of the first official photos, it shouldn’t be long before a trailer appears.